Developments in technology will change and improve methods of assessment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progress and outcome. Three areas are discussed: quantitative microfocal radiography; assessment of cartilage volume using magnetic resonance imaging and 3D computer reconstruction; polymerase chain reaction on tissue sections to allow simultaneous identification of multiple mRNA for cytokines, leukotrienes, and other participants in RA synovitis in serial blood samples or office-based arthroscopic synovial biopsy sections.